Did Adam Have A Bellybutton?

This question has been debated over for centuries and it’s a question nobody’s really going to know the answer to—ever (unless Adam decides to let us in on his little secret in heavenJ).

Lately I’ve been asking myself some deep questions. Questions about pride and love, wealth and poverty, where Jesus would hang if He came to America today? Questions concerning the church and how divided it has become—or over issues (I think) rank right up there with whether or not Adam has a bellybutton. I read a statement by a pastor the other day. He said Jesus isn’t coming for a harem He’s coming for a bride. I thought that was interesting. I think there is beauty in difference in style in traditional and non-traditional. But when are we ever going to get to the place of truly loving one another despite our differences.

I don’t claim to be perfect at this; I fail at loving people all the time. My own selfishness gets in the way of the bigger issue at hand. Loving God. Loving people. It’s not an easy fix… it maybe a simple fix… but it’s not an easy fix.

When Jesus was preaching in the temple (ticking the Sadducees and the Pharisees off to no end) a dude who knew the law inside-out-and-backwards tried tripping Jesus up by asking Him which commandment in the Law pulled rank on all the others (they thought they’d have ground for arresting Jesus on this one!).

“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments… and from that day on no one dared to ask him any more questions.”

What would our world, our communities, our personal lives look like if we actually did this?

Change

I feel like there is going to be a lot of change in 2009. Some big things, some small things, personal things and things worldwide. America changed yesterday. We made history upon inaugurating our first Black President. What a jump from 50 years ago!

Change can be daunting. I know I like change when “I” want something or “I” think something needs to be differnt. Yet, how do I feel when I’m on the other end… when somebody else thinks change needs to happen and I like things the way they are. Deep down I know change is good. It keeps me on my toes. It helps me be alert and extremely aware of my surroundings. Change prevents me from getting stuck in a rut (that I may or may not want to get out of).

We're only 3 weeks into 2009 and I find myself in the midst of change. Syrus wrote “A rolling stone can gather no moss.” Despite the excitement, conflict, insecurities, and anticipation I feel for this year I know I becoming the person I am supposed to be. I am striving not to become stagnant. If I keep moving, keep growing, keep searching, I will find hidden treasures in the rough. My heart desires so much more than this world can offer but "this world" is where I am right now. This is where I will choose to persue what is put before me.

Time Well Spent

These past couple weeks have been busy to say the least! I've had the privilege of spending quality time with family and friends whom I don't get to see as often as I wish I could. It's been a great end to an old year and a fabulous start to the new year.

Christmas Dinner at Grandma and Grandpa's

Boxing Day in Vancouver

Happy New Year!!

Larrabee State Park

The Power of Story Telling

This past weekend I went in search of a children's book called Papa Panov's Special Day. After a day spent searching and looking, I learned this book is now out of print!! I was talking to my mom about it on the phone and she told me about another good book she knew of. She then proceeded to go find the book and read it to me over the phone as I sat curled up with a blanket a thousand kilometers away.
I've always been a sucker for a good story. For as far back as I can remember I've loved sitting and listening to somebody read to me. My dad read so many books to me growing up: The Chronicles of Narnia, The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, Journey Through the Night Series... just to names a few. I love to read too. I am a book worm to the core.
One of my favourite courses in university was called The Gospel of Mark. I am a true believer that a teacher can make or break a class. They either make the material come alive or they kill it. Professor Camery-Hoggatt not only made the Gospel of Mark come alive for me, he made the Bible come alive for me. His area of expertise: Narrative Theology (a professional story teller in simple terms if you will). He had an incredible amount of stories memorized and would often start class by not just "telling a story" but by engaging every student in a world other than their own. He taught me that story telling is a powerful tool. Why else do you think Jesus often talked in stories (aka parables)? People can relate on their own terms. They can apply a circumstance, a character, a scene, a plot to their own life. Every person hears a story different. Sure the same words are being read, but I may take something from it that you didn't even notice. Story telling is a form of art. It has a way of seizing the soul and taking reader's places both near and far. Oh the places you can go:)

Enchanted Christmas

A couple different nights this past week I've gone out at night and looked at Christmas lights. I don't know what it is about them that captivates me. I think part of this seasonal tradition brings out my inner child. When I was little my family used to go on walks around the neighbourhood to see who had the best light display. I think another part to this "inner child" mystery is the simple fact that lights make a house look enchanted. The lights bring the house to life.
When I was in New Zealand I was shocked to learn Christmas lights were a rare thing to be found! It makes sense being it's summer, their days are getting longing not shorter, and electricity costs are way more expensive. Since being back on this side of the Pacific I've had a much greater appreciation for Christmas lights. There are even rumors it might snow this weekend... Christmas lights look WAY cooler (no pun intended) when there's snow involved! It makes it seem even more magical.

YOU

I want to say thank YOU
For the way you inspire me
For loving me
For making yourself vulnerable
For being adventurous with me
YOU make me feel special
YOU are the stranger that smiles when I'm having a bad day
YOU are the author of the encouraging note
YOU are the hug that holds me tight when I think things are falling apart
You are a stranger and a friend.
You are a moment, a season, and a lifetime
I AM thankful for YOU

Me

I watched the movie Four Seasons recently and it reminded me of how thankful I am for my family. I've spent a lot of time interacting with family this past week; ranging all the way from new born babies to aging grandparents and everything in between. My family isn't perfect by an means. We get upset, argue, think our own personal problems are bigger than everybody else's problems. Yep, family is messy. Yet the older I get the more I've come to the realization that this big ball of "mess" is worth fighting for.
When I was living in NZ I've never felt so far from family in my life (probably because that was the furthest I'd ever been.. insightful I know:). All in all, the imperfections are part of me. They are part of my heritage--they are there for me to learn from. There is never going to be a "perfect or right time" for me to claim my relation... the most I can do is dive in and and see it for the beautiful mess it is. It is a continual work in progress. One that probably won't make sense till I can look down on it from heaven and see the beautiful picture God created amidst the chaos. I love my family. I don't tell them enough. I don't want to have regrets. I want to know I loved them before it's too late and they're no longer here to love. I love the quirks, the accomplishments, the messiness, and all the stories that come with it. It's part of who I am and why I am the way I am. This is me and my beautiful mess.